Month: September 2015

Meredith Wilson wrote the song for his 1957 musical, The Music Man. In the musical, the librarian, Marion Paroo, sings the song to Professor Harold Hill near the end of Act II. The first release of the song appeared before the first cast album was release in November 1957. The Broadway production of The Music Read More

Oklahoma! transformed the world of musical theater in more ways than one. Richard Rodgers was interested in adapting the 1931 play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs into a piece for musical theater. However, his writing partner Lorenz Hart had no interest in the project. Oscar Hammerstein II expressed interest, but his writing partner Read More

Down in the Valley is a popular request when I go to nursing facilities to perform. This folk song is believed to be an Appalachian Mountain song inspired by a British air. The song was later transported to the Ozark’s. The ballad is set to a sweet and serene tune, however upon really noticing the Read More

I Will Always Love You was a signature song for Whitney Houston, after she performed the song in her movie, The Bodyguard. However, the song was written by another big known star, Dolly Parton. This would become the biggest song of her career as both a performer and songwriter. The song was the second single Read More

This was sung on an old movie I was recently watching and I wondered where the song originated. This song is believed to have been inspired by Down by the River Liv’d a Maiden by H. S. Thompson. It is considered an old western folk song. The song is believed to have been written by Read More

About SingingtheSongInMyHeart

SingingtheSongInMyHeart strives to share the story and inspiration behind a song. We also share stories about composers, performers and musicals through the ages.

SingingtheSongInMyHeart focuses on music that was popular in the 20th Century.

SingingtheSongInMyHeart is a division of Diana Leagh Matthews. Leagh is a pianists and vocalist who has been performing since childhood. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in music. Through the years she has taught private lessons, performed in numerous venues, and taught music history classes.